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N° 105 — June 15, 2022
Stay in touch as we celebrate Washington Youth Garden's 50th anniversary. Enjoy our updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and WYG.
Congratulations Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young
FONA is thrilled to congratulate Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young on her confirmation as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this new role, she will serve in the highest scientific post at the USDA in support of our nation’s agricultural needs and will be the first woman of color in this position.

Dr. Jacobs-Young has long advocated for a productive partnership between FONA and the U.S. National Arboretum in her previous role as Administrator of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and has played an important role in advancing our collaboration. FONA thanks her for her longstanding support and is excited for her continued leadership.
Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young (center in the top photo, second from the right in the bottom photo) and others from the USNA, USDA, and corporations enjoying FONA's Solstice Soiree last fall. Photos by Plume Photography.
Photo by Stephen Ausmus
Horticulture Corner
Japanese beetles cause trouble this time of year for the agricultural industry, horticultural industry, and home gardener alike. They eat over 275 ornamental and food plant species, and they emerge in mid-June and peak in early July.

How can you stop Japanese beetles in your garden? According to research from the USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS), planting geranium in your garden might help kill these pests. The beetles become paralyzed for up to 24 hours after ingesting geranium flowers, long enough for predators to find them and eat them. Check out this article to learn more about how ARS research into geraniums and begonias impacts your garden.

Ikebana at the Arboretum
Visit the National Arboretum's National Bonsai & Penjing Museum from June 16th to 27th for a free ikebana exhibition. This annual exhibit highlighting the art of Japanese floral design is hosted by Ikebana International Chapter No.1. It will feature several schools of ikebana, and will highlight both classical and contemporary styles of floral arranging.

There will be free ikebana demonstrations in the Visitor Center on June 18th, 19th, and 26th from 1 PM to 3 PM.

Photos from Ikebana International Chapter No.1
Register today for the Ikebana for Kids workshop on Saturday, June 26th from 1 PM to 2:30 PM. This workshop will show children ages 8 to 15 how to make their own ikebana flower arrangements to take home and share. Tickets are $10 to cover the cost of materials.

From our Friends: Anacostia Riverkeeper
Join Anacostia Riverkeeper for free Friday Night Fishing at Diamond Teague Park every Friday night from 5 to 8 PM now until August 19th. All gear and bait are provided and Riverkeeper staff are available to teach fishing. Registration is required.

Photo from Anacostia Riverkeeper
Upcoming Events
Juneteenth in the Youth Garden
June 19, 12 PM - 2 PM
Celebrating the crops of the African diaspora

Summer 5K
June 25, 9 AM
Scenic race through collections in bloom

Movie in the Meadow: Calamity
July 13, 9 PM - 10:30 PM
Free outdoor movie with the French Embassy

U.S. Navy Band Concert
August 10, 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Free outdoor concert in the Meadow

Yoga
Sundays during summer, 10 AM - 11 AM
Find your flow with Bluebird Sky Yoga

Forest Bathing
Various dates and times
Meditation and mindfulness
The Arboretum is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM except December 25th. Some buildings and collections remain closed to ensure visitor and staff safety.
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